magazine archive
magazine archive
Big News
Cyber security firm Avast set for £2.8bn IPO
Thursday 19 Apr 2018Consumer antivirus provider Avast hopes to float on the London stock market next month, potentially attracting a valuation in excess of $4bn (£2.8bn) according to reports. This would be one of the biggest technology floats ever in the UK and is likely to ping the company into the FTSE 250 at the...
Activist investor Elliott rumoured to have Micro Focus in its sights
Thursday 19 Apr 2018Shares in Micro Focus ( MCRO ) have spiked higher after reports that activist investor Elliott is building a stake. While the size of any investment remains unknown and Elliott’s intentions unclear, stock market gossip suggests that Elliott plans to push for major changes at the FTSE 100 enterprise...
Costa spin-off calls at Whitbread gain momentum
Thursday 19 Apr 2018A potential break-up of Costa Coffee and Premier Inn owner Whitbread ( WTB ) looks possible after US activist hedge fund Elliott Capital Advisors built a 6% stake in the company. This is the largest single holding in Whitbread, and adds to the pressure to spin off Costa. Elliott is the second...
JD Sports is still fighting fit
Thursday 19 Apr 2018JD Sports Fashion’s ( JD. ) record full year results (17 Apr) confirm the athleisure boom among youthful gym-goers and fashion-conscious consumers still has legs. Shrugging off the wider UK retail malaise, the trainers-to-gym kit seller ‘remains confident in the robustness and international...
ImmuPharma collapses on trial failure
Thursday 19 Apr 2018Shares in drug discovery company ImmuPharma ( IMM:AIM ) collapsed on 17 April showing how risky early stage drug development really is. The company’s lead drug Lupuzor failed to show meaningful statistical benefits over a placebo in Phase III trials. Lupus is an autoimmune disease that affects...
British Airways owner eyes takeover of Norwegian Air
Thursday 19 Apr 2018British Airways owner International Airlines Group ( IAG ) is considering making a takeover offer for embattled low-cost rival Norwegian Air Shuttle. The airline acquired a 4.61% stake in the firm to kick-start discussions with Norwegian Air, which it believes is an ‘attractive investment.’ The...
Apollo stalks FirstGroup with takeover interest
Thursday 19 Apr 2018New York private equity firm Apollo Global Management has made a takeover approach for transport operator FirstGroup ( FGP ) . Although FirstGroup did not disclose any financial details when rebuffing an initial approach, it looks to be an opportunistic move given the shares have been weak over the...
Ideagen makes smart US move with Medforce deal
Thursday 12 Apr 2018Red tape and compliance software supplier Ideagen ( IDEA:AIM ) has made its first acquisition in the US. We believe this is a significant stepping stone that could realise substantial value for the company and shareholders. New York-based Medforce provides productivity and legal compliance...
Could French Connection return to the dividend list?
Thursday 12 Apr 2018Embattled fashion retailer French Connection’s ( FCCN ) planned sale (9 Apr) of its 75% stake in women’s clothing-to-homewares brand Toast has been well-received. The shares had advanced to 52p as Shares went to press. The disposal will sharpen French Connection’s focus on its core brand and could...
Russian stocks slammed as US imposes sanctions
Thursday 12 Apr 2018The Russian stock market endured its biggest one-day drop in four years on 9 April after the US Treasury imposed sanctions on several Russian individuals and companies. UK-listed names were caught up in the move, which threatens Western investment in Russia. Steel producer Evraz ( EVR ) and gold...